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The Sexual Mindfulness Project Podcast is a conversation between researchers in the field of sexuality and mindfulness. We discuss what the research says about healthy sexuality and ways to improve your romantic and sexual relationship, teach your kids about sexuality, and promote your own sexual growth. If you’ve got a question you’d like us to cover, submit it here.
Episode 1: Foundations of Healthy Sexuality & Mindfulness
Did you know that the brain is one of the biggest contributors to your sexual experience? The way you think about sex and the meaning you give it can really influence your sexual experience. In this episode, we talk about how to frame your thoughts and attitudes towards sex is a more positive way, as well as talking about some basic essentials of mindfulness and how this contributes to a better quality sexual relationship for couples. Listen to this episode here.
Episode 2: Women’s Sexual Mindfulness & Orgasm
Women’s sexual responses can be very different than men’s and for a long time women have been seen as “broken.” In this episode, we confront this assumption and reframe women’s sexuality as an exciting variation that can bring increased love and connection when partners are willing to work together. Listen to this episode here.
Episode 3: Teaching Young Kids About Sex
Have you ever wondered when the right age is to begin teaching your kids about sex? What about how to answer questions from little ones about where babies come from or what to do when your child begins to explore body parts that might make you uncomfortable? In this episode, we discuss ways to begin to lay a foundation for teaching your very young children (0-7 years old) about their body and sexuality in an age-appropriate, safe, healthy way. Listen to this episode here.
Episode 4: Have “The Talk:” Teaching Kids Ages 8-12 About Sex
Parents often feel unsure of how to approach the subject of sex with their kids. In this episode we address having “The Talk” with your kids ages 8-12 (hint: it’s not just a one-time thing). We discuss things to be sure to address, ways to begin the conversation, how your own attitudes about sex might influence the conversation and help you figure out how to navigate this important conversation over a series of ongoing conversations with your kids as they begin to mature.
Episode 5: Talking to Teens about Sexual Arousal
As teens mature, the conversations around sex need to be ongoing and there is a lot to cover. In this episode, we specifically discuss ways to talk to your teens about sexual arousal. You can help them understand what is happening with their bodies and how to respond in healthy and appropriate ways to sexual arousal when they feel it.
Episode 6: Creating More Passion in Your Relationship
How do you keep your relationship from growing stale? How do you keep the passion alive? Is it possible to have a close relationship as a couple but also enjoy your own set of hobbies and passions? We tackle these questions and more in this episode with tips to help you spark more passion in your relationship and keep the sparks alive!
Episode 7: Pregnancy & Sex
Pregnancy can really change the dynamics of a romantic relationship…especially sexually. Between hormones, changing body shape and size, anxiety, and just the unknown and unexpected, there’s a lot of new territory to navigate with pregnancy and sex. In this podcast, we talk about how to adjust as a couple during this and postpartum so that you can keep your relationship strong even during this transition.
Episode 8: Motherhood & Sexuality
As a mother, what words would you use to describe yourself? Caring, smart, busy, fatigued may come to mind, but how often do you consider yourself to be sexy or sexual? In this episode, we tackle body-image, misconceptions about mothers as sexual beings, and discuss ways to reimagine your sexual relationship after giving birth. Listen in to hear how you can see yourself and your partner anew as you step into the world of motherhood.
Episode 9: Overcoming Challenges to Mindfulness
Research shows that mindfulness improves many aspects of relationships, yet sometimes creating a mindful life isn’t as easy as it sounds. In this episode, we discuss common challenges that people face as they begin their journey of mindfulness. As someone who has been practicing mindfulness for years and has experienced some of these challenges herself, Dr. Chelom Leavitt shares expert advice on overcoming difficulties while incorporating mindfulness into your relationship.
EPISODE 10: MINDFULNESS AND COPING WITH ANXIETY
In this episode, we welcome our guest speaker therapist Chris Wilkins to discuss how mindfulness can help relieve anxiety. Anxiety can have a negative impact on relationships but by slowing down and being grounded in the present, couples can support each other through mental health challenges.
Episode 11: Sexual Mindfulness & Aging
What does it take to have a great sexual relationship as you age? In this episode we discuss how sexual satisfaction can increase as people age, contrary to misconceptions that the “best sex” is experienced in your 20’s. Sex changes through the lifespan and we talk about how to grow closer to your partner through these changes. Listen in to learn about sexual wisdom and get tips on how you can have more meaningful sexual experiences with your partner as you age.
Episode 12: Transition to Marriage
We welcomed guest speaker Dr. Jeremy Boden to talk about how couples can successfully transition to sexual intimacy in marriage after remaining abstinent. Dr. Boden shares practical solutions to problems you may face including premature ejaculation and performance anxiety. Listen in to hear how to use tools such as “compassionate curiosity” and sex education to make the first time, and every time, a positive experience.
Episode 13: Giving & Receiving
This episode is all about how to not only give more, but give more graciously. We talk about ways to receive relational bids more positively, as well as how to create more open communication in your relationship and open reflection in your own mind. This holiday season is an especially great time to focus on the giving and receiving in your relationship so don’t forget to take the time to make this aspect a priority.
Episode 14: The Importance of Sex in Marriage
Does it feel like it’s easy to let the spark fizzle after you’ve been married a while? Do you ever wonder why sex matters so much to a marriage? In this episode, we discuss what the research says about why sex is an important part of marriage and how to prioritize it in your own marriage if it feels like it’s starting to get put on the back burner.
Episode 15: Conflict in Marriage
Is resolving conflict with sex problematic? Do you know the difference between conflict and contention? Listen in to explore how conflict affects sex and how conflict can be an opportunity for intimacy. Chelom shares how couples can grow together through conflict and how to address differences in a healthy way.
GUEST EPISODE: HEalthy SExuality in Marriage
Listen to Dr. Chelom Leavitt talk to Matt and Katie Davis of the Supported Sobriety podcast about healthy sexuality in marriage.
Episode 16: Authenticity in Relationships
In this episode, we talk about what it means to be authentic and how to develop your true self. Amber shares her expertise in authenticity research. We tackle questions like “How can we define ourselves instead of letting others define us?” and “How can being authentic make our relationships more meaningful?” Listen in to hear how you can live your life more fully by being your true self.
Guest Episode: Mindfulness and Sex
Listen to Dr. Chelom Leavitt talk about mindfulness and sex with Dan Purcell of the Get Your Marriage On! Podcast.